Judges: Doing Better by Themselves

The U.S. court in downtown Detroit has the
familiar grey Government air. Lawyers match wits in somber courtrooms,
jurors try to understand, defendants try to look innocent. But there is
one big difference. Detroit's federal district (trial) court handles
90% of its criminal business without the help of a single U.S.
commissionerthe federal magistrates who man the front line of federal
criminal justice. Despite this fact, the Detroit court is among the
best run in the U.S.

Elsewhere, 700 U.S. commissioners issue warrants, set bail; and
determine whether there is probable cause to hold an accused person
pending grand-jury action....